Controlling Algae In Your Tank

Green is nice on lawns, golf courses and emeralds, but not as an algae coating on aquarium tanks.  If excessive algae growth is giving your tank a pea soup look, take heart. There are steps you can take to control this problem.

     - Test your tank weekly for nitrate, which can contribute to algae’s growth in an aquarium.  If the        nitrate level in your tank is high, increasing the frequency of your water changes will lower it.
     - Purify your tap water through Reverse Osmosis (RO), before it goes into your aquarium.  Tap        water usually contains high amounts of phosphate, another primary algae nutrient. An RO unite        will reduce the phosphate content in your water by as much as 90 percent.
     - Install a protein skimmer in your tank. This form of filtration is highly effective in removing one        major algae nutrient, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and lowering the concentration of two        others carbon dioxide and nitrate.
     - Add algae-eating fish to your aquarium. Some good choices are mollies, catfish and freshwater        sharks.  Saltwater algae eaters include tangs, small hermit crabs and sea urchins.
     - Do not position your aquarium in an area where it is exposed to direct sunlight, since this        promotes the growth of algae.  If your aquarium is being overrun with algae, you might consider        turning off your hood light, and leaving the area around your tank dark for several days.